Our enemy constantly fights our progress in Christ (Ephesians 6:12). He attempts to rob Christians of joy, peace, happiness, purpose and a host of other things the Lord wants to bless believers with in their walk with Christ.

At the base of all his other agendas, Satan wants us to worship and serve anything and anyone other than our Father in heaven, and to believe anything other than the pure Word of God.

He wants us to findsatisfaction in things other than what God provides for us. He lures us to value anything or anyone more than Christ.

When we succumb to our enemy's temptation to yield to misplaced—even addictive—desires, we will likely end up broken or damaged, maybe even destroyed.

Basically, the enemy uses false premises and promises to make us FUNCTIONING IDOLATERS.

Beyond Satan's lies, he uses other means in his attempts to destroy us. He is a murderer (John 8:44). He uses fleshly afflictions and diseases to harass us and try to shut down our effectiveness (Job 2:7; 2 Corinthians 12:7). And Satan tempts believers to find quick fixes—unbiblical answers—for their problems. Then he robs them of joy, peace, happiness, purpose and a host of other things God has for His children.

We take up and wear the Armor of God daily—both defensive and offensive weapons (Ephesians 6:11-18)—and stand against the devil in all his wiles. His false premises and promises do not need to take us captive (2 Timothy 2:26).

3/9/17

Some of the prettiest women in the world don't behave attractively (and vice versa).

For me, "pretty" isn't the issue.

It's the condition of a person's HEART.

I know some people the world might reject who have the mostbeautiful souls.A Powerful Scripture about Beauty:

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment,
such as elaborate hairstyles
and the wearing of gold jewelry
or fine clothes.
Rather, it should be that of your inner selfthe unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is of great worth in God's sight" (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Yes, beauty does fade—physical beauty. But spiritual beauty becomes more glorious and attractive as a person grows in love and grace. A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30).

Writer and radio host Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuthhas often said she wants to grow to be a wise old woman. She walks in wisdom as a child of light, living out what is "good and right and true" (Ephesians 5:8b).

What I have noticed is, the wiser she becomes, the more beautiful she appears.

Living in the fear of God, with respect for Him and His word that causes us to walk in wisdom, is indeed the best "beauty treatment" any woman can enjoy.

3/4/17

"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do." ~ Henry Ford

Now Ford didn't sit back, "intending." He got busy and built an automotive empire that earned him a place in industrial history. What adult in America does not know the name "Ford"?

But I believe my Father God doesn't want me to focus on building a reputation for myself.

Oh, he wants me to have a good reputation. "A good name is to be more desired than wealth..." (Proverbs 22:1a). We are to do our best to "maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men" (Acts 24:16). Paul recommended Christian leaders have "a good reputation with those outside the church" (1 Timothy 3:7). No Christian should bring reproach on the name of Christ by bad behavior.

The funny thing is, God honors those who honor him (1 Samuel 2:30b). But how many of us stop to think about how we can honor God?

I say I want to do that. I talk about it all the time. I intend to honor God. But I can't just think and talk about it. I must take action.

Deciding to do is not the same as actually doing.

Doing is often linked to obedience.

I am grateful I learned obedience to the Lord in a revival ministry, Life Action, in the early 1970s. By God's grace I am still taking action to please the Lord. (But sometimes I need a reminder to be more intentional - like that teabag tag!)

If I want to glorify God, I will want to:

Obey Him,

Serve Him (with joy),

Demonstrate Christ-like love

Stand up for righteousness in the culture, and

Bring Him honor and glory in all I do.

Good intentions are not enough.

I have to go beyond intentions to commitment, and then act on those commitments in daily choices.

What are some of the choices you will make today to bring glory to the Lord?

Dawn Wilson

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My Blog’s Purpose...and Permission to Reprint

Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” One of the goals of my life is to make daily wise choices that will build a life of excellence. As a Christian, I want to do this to glorify God. But the benefits to my life are incredible.

This blog was created to share some of the choices that God has led me to make—choices that I hope my readers will consider, too. I plan to share periodic (not daily) entries, and I encourage your response and suggestions. These choices cover a wide range of topics, and a label, or code word is included at the end of each one for filing any “Choice Tip” that you’d like to keep. Please email for permission before quoting or using any of my “blogged” material, and give due credit to me and/or Heart Choices Today.